In Search of the Perfect Keyboard
Filed under Computers, Gadgets
I have had 6 different keyboards in the last 2 years. I’m always looking for the *perfect* keyboard. My perfect keyboard would have…
- Backlighting
- Volume knob
- Media keys
- Standard layout
- Wireless (with *no* dropped keystrokes or delays)
- Thin profile
- Pointing stick (so I can use the mouse without taking my fingers off the keys)
- Small footprint
I don’t think that keyboard exists.
I got a new Logitech keyboard this week. So far, I’m happy with it.
My favorite so far is the Dell Multimedia Keyboard (see end of post).
Here are the last 5 keyboards I’ve had in reverse chronological order and what I liked/didn’t like about them.
Logitech Illuminated Keyboard
Pro
- Backlit
- Cool looking/thin
- No wasted “extra” keys
- Volume keys
- Function keys have normal operation first (can be changed)
- Small footprint
Con
- Non-standard layout (delete key/insert key/scroll lock)
- Not wireless
- Uses volume buttons instead of knob
- Media keys don’t work well with Zune player (opened a support item on this)
Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600
Pro
- Standard layout
- Calculator hot key
- Volume keys
- Small footprint
Con
- Delay with volume keys
- Not illuminated
- Not wireless
Microsoft Wireless Keyboard 6000
Pro
- Slight curve to keyboard is nice without being radically different than standard keyboard
- Wireless
- Good looking/thin
Con
- Non-standard function key layout
- Hard to tell which keys were volume keys
- Not illuminated
- Many special keys that I never used
- Sometimes pressing keys would do nothing, reconnecting USB transmitter fixed issue
Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard
Pro
- Backlit
Con
- Big
- Extra buttons I don’t care about
- No volume controls
- No media keys
- Flakey keyboard management software
- Not wireless
Dell USB Multimedia Keyboard
Pro
- Excellent volume knob! Can easily turn it up/down quickly by feel. *Much* better than volume keys.
- Media keys layout around volume knob works well. Track forward/back different size than other media keys so they can be used by feel.
- Standard keyboard layout
- Small footprint
Con
- Not backlit
- Not wireless
Comments (12)
Aren't the wireless/back lit requirements mutually exclusive? or is the back lighting something that you expect to turn off after a set number of seconds?
I recommend painting your keyboard with UV reactive paint and breaking out the blacklight. Makes your keyboard glow and your Velvet Elvis posters rock!
Posted by Kelvin | April 26, 2009 3:17 PM
Posted on April 26, 2009 15:17
I want both backlighting and wireless!
While the keyboard is in use, the backlighting should be on.
Posted by David | April 26, 2009 3:25 PM
Posted on April 26, 2009 15:25
My main keyboard requirement is that it does not have swine flu.
Posted by MFC | April 28, 2009 10:32 AM
Posted on April 28, 2009 10:32
So your saying you don't like OEM keyboards?
Posted by Bubba | April 29, 2009 6:19 AM
Posted on April 29, 2009 06:19
What? I said the Dell Multimedia, an OEM keyboard, was my favorite so far.
Posted by David | April 29, 2009 6:36 AM
Posted on April 29, 2009 06:36
Yes, technically your keyboard is OEM. I meant a standard OEM keyboard shipped with a new computer. Not an upgraded keyboard that you choose while building your computer.
Posted by Bubba | April 30, 2009 7:58 AM
Posted on April 30, 2009 07:58
At work, I use the standard (no media keys, no extra buttons), Dell keyboard. I really like it.
Posted by David | May 2, 2009 9:21 AM
Posted on May 2, 2009 09:21
If you haven't already, try the Dell RT7D40. It's my favorite wireless keyboard I've used. The downsides are A)no backlighting, B) no pointing stick, and C)Delete/Insert keys are moved (below End and Pg Down respectively). I love the big volume knob in the top right corner though, it's the major reason I also keep an ancient HP SK-2056 on my desk. I wish more manufacturers would add this feature.
Posted by Benjamin McKenna | July 2, 2009 12:50 AM
Posted on July 2, 2009 00:50
Try DasKeyboard.
Posted by tourist.tam | August 11, 2009 6:03 AM
Posted on August 11, 2009 06:03
THE FINAL SOLUTION.... MICROSOFT ENTERTAINMENT DESKTOP 8000!!!
Posted by Adam Katz | February 16, 2010 12:48 AM
Posted on February 16, 2010 00:48
Meet the ASUS EeeKeyboard for $599 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003HK5RM6?ie=UTF8&tag=pm-post-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003HK5RM6
Specs:
1.6GHz Atom N270 CPU, 1GB of DDR2 memory, Windows XP Home, 802.11b/g/n WiFi, a gigabit Ethernet jack, Bluetooth 2.1, a 16GB SSD, HDMI out, integrated Ultra-Wide-Broadband (UWB) receiver, three USB 2.0 sockets and a 5-inch LED-backlit, multitouch display with 800 x 480 resolution.
Posted by bubba | April 22, 2010 7:55 AM
Posted on April 22, 2010 07:55
But is it Mac Compatible?
Posted by Kelvin | April 22, 2010 1:20 PM
Posted on April 22, 2010 13:20